Page 96 of Nothing But Air

The pause stretched too long. Eden couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move.

Then Sierra’s voice came back.

Smaller. Broken.

“It is Liam who hit his head. He’s not responding.”

The words landed like stones.

Two injured. One unconscious. Communication compromised. Miles of canyon between them and any hope of help.

And the sun was already sliding toward the western rim.

Eleven

Four words on the radio, and Teague stepped back in time—watching his brother fall.

Liam down. Head injury.

His vision tunneled. Canyon walls pressed in. Dust rising. Someone falling. Auburn hair dark with?—

No.

Not auburn. Dark brown. Not Chip. Liam.

But the memories didn’t care about details.

“We have to go.” His voice came out rough. “Now.”

“Teague—” Eden’s hand landed on his arm.

He shook her off and grabbed his map. “The other team’s camp is here.” His finger traced a gray dotted line. “This trail cuts the time in half.”

“That trail took damage in June.” Xander bent over the map. “The storms washed out half of it.”

“We’re not average hikers.”

“It’s getting late.” Xander kept his voice calm. “We should wait until?—”

“Until what?” Teague spun to face him. “Until Liam’s head injury gets worse? Until internal bleeding kills him while we’re standing here debating?”

“Teague.” Eden stepped in front of him. “Take a breath.”

“I don’t need to breathe. I need to get to Liam.”

“And you will. But not if you get yourself killed on a washed-out trail in the dark.” Her blue eyes locked on his. “What happened to the guy who was learning to listen to his team?”

“That guy didn’t have a friend dying in the canyon.”

“Liam’s tough. He’s survived worse than?—”

“You don’t know that.” His voice cracked. “Chip died because I wasn’t paying attention. Because I didn’t see the loose rock, didn’t move fast enough.” He grabbed his pack. “I’m not hesitating again.”

“This isn’t Chip.” Eden’s voice cut through.

“No. It’s Liam. And I’m not losing him too.”

Xander was already packing. “If we’re doing this, we’re doing it together. You think the trail’s passable? Let’s find out.”